Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Ride Historic Vista Dome Car On June 2, 2012 Rail Excursion

The coastline views from Silver Splendor's dome
are spectacular, unmatched.

Santa Barbara area residents have a special opportunity to ride a classic Vista Dome car on June 2, 2012, when the museum has chartered the historic Silver Splendor railcar for a one-day roundtrip along the Pacific Coast to San Luis Obispo. BUY TICKETS NOW

Vista Dome cars are famous for their graceful glass-enclosed rooftop observation rooms, which provide unparalleled views in all directions. Museum volunteer Ed Leska, who knows something about vintage-rail travel, explains: “Riding in the dome gives you the very best views of the coast and valleys! You can see the ocean and the mountains, look forward and back without moving from your seat!”

Silver Splendor today

The museum group is limited to 48 passengers, so that everyone will be guaranteed seating in the 24-seat dome for one-half of the trip. Those making early reservations have first choice of riding in the dome either during the north- or southbound leg of the trip.

Tickets for the June 2 Silver Splendor excursion are only $75 for museum members; $79 for the general public. Soft drinks and light snacks are included. To make your reservations, call the museum any weekday afternoon at 805/964-3540.

The car's original name was Silver Buckle.

Built by the Budd Co. in 1956 as Chicago, Burlington & Quincy No. 4735, this stainless steel car raced between Chicago and Denver on a daily basis until 1980, the last nine years under Amtrak ownership. Originally named Silver Buckle, she was part of the last two complete conventional train sets to be ordered new in the pre-Amtrak era, traveling more than 4.5 million miles.